Writer’s Block? Move to a New Office Space

Writer’s Block? Move to a New Office Space

There’s nothing more dreadful to a writer than getting hit by the infamous writer’s block — a phenomenon when words simply don’t come out, when you can’t produce anything new, and when creativity seems so elusive.

To somebody whose profession relies on producing articles and stories, writer’s block creates a host of problems. What is a writer if he or she can’t write? How are you going to meet all your deadlines? More importantly, how are you going to pay the bills?

Fortunately, writers — being the creatives that they are — have found ways to work around the problem. In fact, many have successfully overcome that uncreative phase and produced great pieces of work. And one of the most effective solutions they recommend is moving to a new office space.

We know, it’s a bit confusing. What’s the link between writing and a fresh desk, after all?

Before we explain the connection, let’s delve into how writer’s block occurs.

Why Am I Stuck?

Very few research papers investigate writer’s block, so people can’t say with certainty what causes it. Those who experienced and overcame it, however, have put forward a few reasons why it happens:

Perfectionism – Many can’t proceed to the next paragraph or chapter without perfecting the one that precedes it. By doing so, writers think they reduce their chances of failure and protect themselves from harsh critique. Because they keep perfecting what they write, they can’t finish the piece.

Pressure – Some writers who feel pressured are unable to finish (or even start) their work. Whether they previously produced a successful piece or they’re filling huge shoes at work, these writers feel like they have to write something as good, or even better, than their standard. If the pressure gets to them, they might not be able to write.

Exhaustion – Whether it’s from constant writing or fulfilling roles outside of your job, fatigue takes a toll on your brain. A 2015 study published in the journal Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research found that tasks that induce mental fatigue (writing, analysis of facts, synthesizing data for a story) is related to poor cognitive performance. This means, if you’re tired, you no longer have the brain space to write.

A New Environment Refreshes Your Mind

The stack of documents on your old office reminds you daily of the deadlines you have to beat. The certificate on the wall reminds you that you’ve succeeded before, and you have to succeed again. Your home office is a few minutes’ walks away from the dishes you have to wash or the laundry you have to finish. How can you write properly with all these distractions surrounding you?

In a shared office space, you have a spotless desk that won’t remind you of the mundane things you have to do. The people around you don’t remind you of the things that pressure you. A change of scenery refreshes your mind and gives you a renewed perspective on your work.

On top of that, you’re surrounded by people who are really concentrated on their work, and their mental efforts are contagious. PsyBlog, a website on psychology, explains that people have a tendency to imitate the productive people around them. You can say that productivity is catching.

So, if you want a new place to escape your writer’s block, look for a coworking space that’s ergonomically furnished, conducive to productivity, and conveniently located. Contact Quest Workspaces today.